This Year’s Autumn Mile-builder to the Cyclades

Our popular mile-building trip to the Cyclades will take place on 15-22 October.

The yacht will leave Kalamaki Marina, outside Athens, by late afternoon on Saturday. The planned route is to sail South-East through the Cyclades, stopping at various islands on the way, until the yacht reaches the island of Naxos – the largest (and possibly the loveliest) of the Cyclades. Next, you’ll sail west to the volcanic island of Milos. After a day spent ashore, there will be a long overnight sail west to the beautiful Peloponnese coast. If the weather is suitable you may make landfall at the ancient town of Monemvasia, although this is not always possible. Another possible daylight stop is Kiparrisi, a picturesque bay nestling under dramatic mountains. From here you’ll make your way back through the Hydra Channel and Saronic Gulf to Athens.

You’ll cover around 350 miles in all, including two night sails, and two Yachtmaster qualifying passages (over 60nm non-stop). This is a chance to put hundreds of miles under your belt, improving your confidence and advancing your practical skills and knowledge.

As with all sailing, the exact route is weather dependent but there are many alternative islands to choose from should the planned route be unsuitable for the conditions.

A mile builder is a great opportunity to build on your RYA qualifications. The crew is divided into watches, who take turns on duty. Advanced sailors are appointed watch leaders, but everyone in the team will take part in steering, trimming sails, navigation, catering, and using the yacht’s equipment. There is an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor on hand to ensure safety and to give instruction to novice crew.

Price: €916 / £832 per person (based on 2 sharing) The price includes all yacht expenses (fuel, water, etc), food on board, linen/towels/waterproofs. It doesn’t include getting to the yacht or about 5 – 6 delicious local meals ashore during the trip.

Those who have already taken a course with us are entitled to a 5% Crew Club discount making the price 870€ / £790 for six days plus sailing.